The Hatch Valley holds exquisite scenery any time of year, but there’s just something about fall colors here along the banks of the Rio Grande in the midst of chile fields, cattle ranches, and horse farms. Unfortunately, invasive salt cedar has infiltrated here, but even salt cedar affords some great color this time of year.

Hatch Valley salt cedar

However, we’re in a rush to get to lunch, so I’ll spare the words and post a few more scenic shots for a moment:

Hatch Valley

Hatch Valley

Red rocks of Hatch Valley

Now on to the important stuff—Hatch’s hidden gem, Sparky’s Burgers, BBQ, and Shakes:

Sparky’s World Famous Burgers, BBQ, and Shakes

On Friday we’ll head inside for a review of the food, but for now we’re going to look at the kitschy collection of 1950s roadside nostalgia straight out of the heyday of Route 66. Here you’ll find everyone from Robin Hood to Colonel Sanders to Yogi Bear:

1950’s roadside kitsch at Sparky’s across-the-street parking

Even Sparky is present here:

Sparky posing with one of his burger creations

Here are some closeups of this eclectic sampling of roadside Americana: